Book TWENTY on the list was First Lord's Fury: Book Six of the Codex Alera by Jim Butcher.
Now, if you think like me, you might have just thought, "Book SIX?!?"
Yeah. And it's 465 pages... the other ones are also HUGE... so I didn't read them. I tried to read this one without the others, breaking my own rule. I didn't expect much- I can't imagine trying to jump into the Harry Potter series on book 6, but I reallllly just didn't have time to read the 5 previous books.
So.
I went ahead and started reading, and SURPRISE! I was lost. I read 81 pages before I realized that the two main characters, Tavi and Octavian, were the same person. Tavi's his nickname. OcTAVIan, get it? Yeesh. My bad. I also kept getting confused because there's a goddess-lady named Alera, but Alera is the name of their land... I'm sure they're related somehow, but I kept missing the point. Word to the wise- book 6 is not the time to pick up the series. Duh.
That being said, I kept reading, and NOT surprisingly, I really liked the book. Yeah, I was mostly lost, but Butcher's a great writer. It was excellent fantasy and the world he had created (painstakingly, I'm sure) over the last 6 books was just tremendous. If you like fantasy and have some time on your hands, pick these up. It's a little Lord of the Ringsesque, but fresh and interesting.
Now, has anyone read these? Does someone wanna catch me up? If you've read them, feel free to expand upon why this book is so awesome. If you haven't, would you consider taking on a series six books in?
Comment away!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Handmade Home
Alright, the next book was Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures by Amanda Blake Soule. Do I need to explain what this is? It's EXACTLY like the title says.
So, fellow crafters, I'm speaking mostly to you. I couldn't get Paul to touch this book with a ten foot pole, let alone read it. Fellas, this is a good gift idea. Or, crafty fellas, read on.
Now, I know my way around a craft book, and this one had a lot of things that I was really excited about, and some things I wasn't. The good outweighed the bad by far, but I feel like I have to start with the disappointing news first because it's kind of a deal breaker- you need to know how to sew. Obviously sewing's not a bad thing, but it's the premise for the book and this definitely isn't a beginner's guide. You need to have at least basic sewing skills and, preferably, a sewing machine. Some projects require more than basic skills, but you have to read them as they go.
What I loved:
1.The lists. It's super organized and accessible.
2. Soule advocates "thrifting" for fabrics and gives you tips and tricks on how to shop for, purchase, store, and finally, repurpose a variety of fabrics. Her experience shows.
3. There's a LOT about working with children- most of her projects are for her family in some way, and many include ways in which you can involve your kids, such as sewing letter savers that they can draw on.
4. Each pattern has listed the difficulty, length of time, tools needed, and suitability for children. That way you don't buy all the fabric for an "easy" quilt and then accidentally sew over your own thumb trying to finish it. It happens.
5. Many of the patterns are in the back for you to copy and use, and she has a ton of information on how to alter them to best suit your needs.
So I definitely recommend this for anyone who's interested *coughcoughKatieMyerscoughcough*, but it's definitely not for everyone. And take a gander at it before you buy- not all of the projects are things I want to make... AT ALL... but some are amazing, like drawn table runners and patch tree quilts. So take a look! Tell me what you think! Have you tried any of the patterns, or bought the book? Lemme know what you think!
On a side note, any other good patterns you want to share, or any hilarious craft projects you've seen?
So, fellow crafters, I'm speaking mostly to you. I couldn't get Paul to touch this book with a ten foot pole, let alone read it. Fellas, this is a good gift idea. Or, crafty fellas, read on.
Now, I know my way around a craft book, and this one had a lot of things that I was really excited about, and some things I wasn't. The good outweighed the bad by far, but I feel like I have to start with the disappointing news first because it's kind of a deal breaker- you need to know how to sew. Obviously sewing's not a bad thing, but it's the premise for the book and this definitely isn't a beginner's guide. You need to have at least basic sewing skills and, preferably, a sewing machine. Some projects require more than basic skills, but you have to read them as they go.
What I loved:
1.The lists. It's super organized and accessible.
2. Soule advocates "thrifting" for fabrics and gives you tips and tricks on how to shop for, purchase, store, and finally, repurpose a variety of fabrics. Her experience shows.
3. There's a LOT about working with children- most of her projects are for her family in some way, and many include ways in which you can involve your kids, such as sewing letter savers that they can draw on.
4. Each pattern has listed the difficulty, length of time, tools needed, and suitability for children. That way you don't buy all the fabric for an "easy" quilt and then accidentally sew over your own thumb trying to finish it. It happens.
5. Many of the patterns are in the back for you to copy and use, and she has a ton of information on how to alter them to best suit your needs.
So I definitely recommend this for anyone who's interested *coughcoughKatieMyerscoughcough*, but it's definitely not for everyone. And take a gander at it before you buy- not all of the projects are things I want to make... AT ALL... but some are amazing, like drawn table runners and patch tree quilts. So take a look! Tell me what you think! Have you tried any of the patterns, or bought the book? Lemme know what you think!
On a side note, any other good patterns you want to share, or any hilarious craft projects you've seen?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wolf Hall
Hey all of you who are reading... long time no write; sorry! May has been the busiest month ever, not that that's an excuse. Still, though, here's the next one. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.
Wolf Hall is historical fiction, which ideally, I love. This book is set in England in the 1500s, with a main character named Thomas Cromwell that is sort of in and out of favor with the king, loves his wife and children, and has an underdog past that he's gotten through with hard work and luck. As a character, I LOVE him. The book set him in place with Henry Tudor during the saucy Boleyn scandal, and that's obviously a really, truly interesting and sordid part of history that many people have speculated about.
So here's the thing... despite what seems to be a great book in theory, I didn't love it. I think part of the problem was that I'm better with American history than I am with European history, so some of the references were over my head. I knew I was missing key points beside the obvious things and it was... frustrating. Beyond that, it was gossipy and a little overdone- I felt like the writing was probably authentic for the time, but it nonetheless felt like doubletalk. Plus, it was 532 pages.
What I did like was this. Cromwell himself was an interesting character, witty and subtle and human at a time in history when the world was more focused on the facade of wealth than anything of actual value. He's mostly humble and kind and intelligent... frankly, there's not much not to like about him. I wanted to keep reading just for him- let's face it, we all know how the Tudor/ Boleyn thing worked out. I just wanted to know, theoretically, where this character I loved could have possibly fit into that chaos. Had I known more European history, too, this would have been an easier, more enjoyable, more exciting read- and I wish it had been that for me, because it was very, very promising. Mantel has great moments, like when she says:
"There cannot be new things in England. There can be old things freshly presented, or new things that pretend to be old. To be trusted, new men must forge themselves an ancient pedigree, like Walter's, or enter into the service of ancient families. Don't try to go it alone, or they'll think you're pirates" (p97).
HA! Clever. I liked this aspect of her writing quite a bit.
So do I recommend this? Like usual, selectively. Take what I've said and decide for yourself- if it doesn't sound like you'll like it, you probably won't. If you think you might, pleeeeeease give it a shot- it has many redeeming, interesting qualities... but I really felt like some of it was just over my head.
There you go! Are you interested? What have you been reading lately?
Wolf Hall is historical fiction, which ideally, I love. This book is set in England in the 1500s, with a main character named Thomas Cromwell that is sort of in and out of favor with the king, loves his wife and children, and has an underdog past that he's gotten through with hard work and luck. As a character, I LOVE him. The book set him in place with Henry Tudor during the saucy Boleyn scandal, and that's obviously a really, truly interesting and sordid part of history that many people have speculated about.
So here's the thing... despite what seems to be a great book in theory, I didn't love it. I think part of the problem was that I'm better with American history than I am with European history, so some of the references were over my head. I knew I was missing key points beside the obvious things and it was... frustrating. Beyond that, it was gossipy and a little overdone- I felt like the writing was probably authentic for the time, but it nonetheless felt like doubletalk. Plus, it was 532 pages.
What I did like was this. Cromwell himself was an interesting character, witty and subtle and human at a time in history when the world was more focused on the facade of wealth than anything of actual value. He's mostly humble and kind and intelligent... frankly, there's not much not to like about him. I wanted to keep reading just for him- let's face it, we all know how the Tudor/ Boleyn thing worked out. I just wanted to know, theoretically, where this character I loved could have possibly fit into that chaos. Had I known more European history, too, this would have been an easier, more enjoyable, more exciting read- and I wish it had been that for me, because it was very, very promising. Mantel has great moments, like when she says:
"There cannot be new things in England. There can be old things freshly presented, or new things that pretend to be old. To be trusted, new men must forge themselves an ancient pedigree, like Walter's, or enter into the service of ancient families. Don't try to go it alone, or they'll think you're pirates" (p97).
HA! Clever. I liked this aspect of her writing quite a bit.
So do I recommend this? Like usual, selectively. Take what I've said and decide for yourself- if it doesn't sound like you'll like it, you probably won't. If you think you might, pleeeeeease give it a shot- it has many redeeming, interesting qualities... but I really felt like some of it was just over my head.
There you go! Are you interested? What have you been reading lately?
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Help
Alright, next book on the list was The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. It wasn't going to come up quite so soon, but it was the choice for the book club this month, so there you go. Thank goodness I looked for it now, because I was placed 391st on the list at the library! So... I bought it.
SO! Here's the scoop. I feel like in most novels, there's a point about fifty pages (or so) where I say, Yep, I'm going to LOVE this book. Once I hit this point, I'm never, ever wrong. I found that point on page three.
"She already got the blue dress on I ironed this morning, the one with sixty-five pleats on the waist, so tiny I got to squint through my glasses to iron. I don't hate much in life, but me and that dress is not on good terms" (p 3).
The author's voice, the distinct differences between the narration of the three main characters... I was in heaven. Stockett is a wonderful storyteller.
The plot, you ask? What's it about? Well, I'll keep it to the bare minimum, because you should read it for yourself and discover everything. But essentially, the story is set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi and involves the complicated relationship between white and black women in the South before integration. For such a heavy topic, the book is surprisingly lighthearted at times, with stories that are beautiful and complex.
Please, please, please... just read it. You'll thank me. As a matter of fact, let me take a second to say thanks... to Stacy for first recommending this, to Katie for picking it for the club, and to the Powell's staffer that chose it for the list. This miiiiiiight be my favorite book so far.
Will you read it? Have you already? What are your thoughts?
SO! Here's the scoop. I feel like in most novels, there's a point about fifty pages (or so) where I say, Yep, I'm going to LOVE this book. Once I hit this point, I'm never, ever wrong. I found that point on page three.
"She already got the blue dress on I ironed this morning, the one with sixty-five pleats on the waist, so tiny I got to squint through my glasses to iron. I don't hate much in life, but me and that dress is not on good terms" (p 3).
The author's voice, the distinct differences between the narration of the three main characters... I was in heaven. Stockett is a wonderful storyteller.
The plot, you ask? What's it about? Well, I'll keep it to the bare minimum, because you should read it for yourself and discover everything. But essentially, the story is set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi and involves the complicated relationship between white and black women in the South before integration. For such a heavy topic, the book is surprisingly lighthearted at times, with stories that are beautiful and complex.
Please, please, please... just read it. You'll thank me. As a matter of fact, let me take a second to say thanks... to Stacy for first recommending this, to Katie for picking it for the club, and to the Powell's staffer that chose it for the list. This miiiiiiight be my favorite book so far.
Will you read it? Have you already? What are your thoughts?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Mirrors
I know it's been a while... I got spoiled with a couple of short ones! This one was Mirrors: Stories of Everyone by Eduardo Galeano.
Now, apparently, Galeano is a genre all his own. I've never seen anything like him, and from what critics wrote, he's kind of turned the history writing world on its ear. Here's what he does: He take a historic fact (or a few) and writes his thoughts on it. I've chosen a few examples to illustrate the point.
"When The Liver Was The Home Of The Soul
In earlier times, long before cardiologists and balladeers, matters of the heart could easily have been called matters of the liver.
The liver lay at the heart of everything.
The Chinese believed the liver was where the soul slept and dreamt.
In Egypt, its custody was in the hands of Amset, son of the god Horus, and in Rome none less that Jupiter, the father of gods, cared for it.
The Etruscans read the future in the livers of the livers of the animals they sacrificed.
In Greek tradition, Prometheus stole fire from the gods for us mortals. Then Zeus, top dog on Mount Olympus, punished him by chaining him to a rock where everyday a vulture devoured his liver. Not his heart, his liver. Every day Prometheus's liver grew back and that was proof of his immortality. (p 37)"
or, another...
"Echo
In earlier times, the nymph Echo knew how to speak. And she spoke with such grace that her words seemed always new, never before spoken by any mouth.
But the goddess Hera, Zeus's legal spouse, cursed her during one of her frequent fits of jealousy. And Echo suffered the worst of all punishments: she was deprived of her own voice.
Ever since, unable to speak, she can only repeat.
Nowadays, that curse is looked on as a virtue. (p 39)"
I actually had a few more picked out, but that'll do. The entire book is EXACTLY like this- a few paragraphs and random thoughts about myths, history, people, etc. They're loosely grouped together- not by chapter or even section, but by a general flow and nothing more.
So here's where I stand. Galeano struck me as a guy that practically lives in a coffee shop, this book being the mental meanderings of a slightly drunk, slightly stoned sort-of genius. I sometimes a little bored, but something compelled me to keep reading. 90% of the book was interesting or funny or though provoking, and that's more than I can say of most books. I never sat and just read for hours; it simply isn't that kind of book. But I believe that if I bought it, when I was bored, this would be a great book to pick up and read a few pages of. And you know what? I talked about this book more than any other book so far on the list. Ask my poor husband- I wouldn't shut up about all the fun facts and random thoughts that Galeano presented. To a history nerd (are you surprised?), I thought this was simply delightful.
I don't have a definite answer on whether or not I recommend this book. Personally, I loved it, but I'm a huge dork. This is totally a coffee table book and conversation starter, but beyond that, I don't know how many people will love it. SO I challenge you- give it a shot. It's really, really, really interesting.
What do you think? Will you go for it?
Now, apparently, Galeano is a genre all his own. I've never seen anything like him, and from what critics wrote, he's kind of turned the history writing world on its ear. Here's what he does: He take a historic fact (or a few) and writes his thoughts on it. I've chosen a few examples to illustrate the point.
"When The Liver Was The Home Of The Soul
In earlier times, long before cardiologists and balladeers, matters of the heart could easily have been called matters of the liver.
The liver lay at the heart of everything.
The Chinese believed the liver was where the soul slept and dreamt.
In Egypt, its custody was in the hands of Amset, son of the god Horus, and in Rome none less that Jupiter, the father of gods, cared for it.
The Etruscans read the future in the livers of the livers of the animals they sacrificed.
In Greek tradition, Prometheus stole fire from the gods for us mortals. Then Zeus, top dog on Mount Olympus, punished him by chaining him to a rock where everyday a vulture devoured his liver. Not his heart, his liver. Every day Prometheus's liver grew back and that was proof of his immortality. (p 37)"
or, another...
"Echo
In earlier times, the nymph Echo knew how to speak. And she spoke with such grace that her words seemed always new, never before spoken by any mouth.
But the goddess Hera, Zeus's legal spouse, cursed her during one of her frequent fits of jealousy. And Echo suffered the worst of all punishments: she was deprived of her own voice.
Ever since, unable to speak, she can only repeat.
Nowadays, that curse is looked on as a virtue. (p 39)"
I actually had a few more picked out, but that'll do. The entire book is EXACTLY like this- a few paragraphs and random thoughts about myths, history, people, etc. They're loosely grouped together- not by chapter or even section, but by a general flow and nothing more.
So here's where I stand. Galeano struck me as a guy that practically lives in a coffee shop, this book being the mental meanderings of a slightly drunk, slightly stoned sort-of genius. I sometimes a little bored, but something compelled me to keep reading. 90% of the book was interesting or funny or though provoking, and that's more than I can say of most books. I never sat and just read for hours; it simply isn't that kind of book. But I believe that if I bought it, when I was bored, this would be a great book to pick up and read a few pages of. And you know what? I talked about this book more than any other book so far on the list. Ask my poor husband- I wouldn't shut up about all the fun facts and random thoughts that Galeano presented. To a history nerd (are you surprised?), I thought this was simply delightful.
I don't have a definite answer on whether or not I recommend this book. Personally, I loved it, but I'm a huge dork. This is totally a coffee table book and conversation starter, but beyond that, I don't know how many people will love it. SO I challenge you- give it a shot. It's really, really, really interesting.
What do you think? Will you go for it?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
